Still reeling from 'Tino', Ph threatened by another possible tropical depression

Local

JUST as Typhoon Tino continues to lash parts of the Visayas, the state weather bureau is tracking another weather disturbance that has developed into a tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the new system was spotted early Tuesday, Nov. 4, about 1,985 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao.

It was moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h.

If it maintains its current trajectory, Pagasa said the tropical depression could enter the PAR by Thursday or Friday, Nov. 7 or 8, and will be given the local name “Uwan.”

While it remains far from the Philippine landmass, the weather bureau warned that rough sea conditions may begin affecting the eastern and northern coasts of the country starting Wednesday, Nov.5.

Mariners and small fishing vessels are urged to take precautions or postpone sea travel.

Pagasa added that the system may slow down and slightly shift direction before resuming its movement northwestward over the Philippine Sea later this week.

It is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon by Thursday and could intensify further into a super typhoon over the weekend.

As of now, the exact landfall location and timing remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) has slightly weakened while traversing Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region, PAGASA said in its 2:00 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday.

As of 1:00 p.m., the typhoon’s eye was located over the coastal waters of Jordan, Guimaras, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h and gusts reaching 180 km/h. It was moving west-southwest at 20 km/h, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to several provinces.

Pagasa has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 over parts of Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras, warning of typhoon-force winds that pose a significant to severe threat to life and property within the next 12 hours.

Signals No. 3 and No. 2 are up in other parts of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, and Bohol, while Signal No. 1 remains in effect in nearby provinces.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain alert for possible flash floods, landslides, and storm surges that could reach over 3 meters high in coastal communities of Romblon, Palawan, and Western Visayas.

Pagasa said Tino is expected to exit PAR by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, after crossing the Visayas and northern Palawan and re-emerging over the West Philippine Sea, where it may re-intensify.

The public and local disaster risk reduction offices have been urged to take all necessary precautions and to monitor further weather bulletins and local advisories.(TGP)